5 Days of Freebies in Austin
Updated: October 28, 2009
Ah, Austin, a tightwad's fantasy come true. A complete breakfast in taco form can be had for $1.50, free concerts and shows can be sought out and enjoyed year-round, and the natural landmarks, swimming holes and parks can be lounged in for almost nothing. Bounty this good and plentiful should be worshiped and prized, which is why people that live here year-round talk about how great it is all the time. Block out a scheduling including art, movies, food and concerts with this handy guide to freebies in Austin.
Gratis is Good
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Central Market Westgate
Read Reviews4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78745 (map)
Trying the free samples at Central Market is a good way to learn about new cheeses, varieties of bread and try seasonal fruits. Grazing on the abundant samples without elbowing other customers out of the way like that rude uncle at a wedding who's hogging the entire tray of shrimp is an art form. Cultivate the practice of snaring complimentary bites so that a mini-meal can be made from it. Honestly: That's what they're there for. Sort of.
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at the Ritz
Read Reviews320 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Many movie theaters offer matinee prices on shows that start before 6pm, which is nice. But no theater in Austin offers more fun and cheap (and in some cases, free) movie programming than the Alamo Drafthouse. This isn't for first-run movies, but cult-y classics, weird flicks, horror films, midnight madness offerings and music shorts compiled for maximum pleasure. Case in point: Music Mondays, Weird Wednesdays, and Terror Thursdays. For free or $1 or whatever the ridiculous barely-a-charge may be, a movie and the finely crafted atmosphere that celebrates culture can be enjoyed.
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Bookpeople Book Store
Read Reviews603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 (map)
This Austin book store, in spite of its being in a fly-over state, hosts more than 300 author readings a year. Authors of best-sellers, be they on chick-lit or global economics, cult humorists, celebrity chefs, and children's authors all come in and face their public. To be a member of the captive audience often requires an RSVP and purchase of a book.
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Waterloo Records & Video
Read Reviews600A N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 (map)
In-store concerts at record stores are always fun and typically packed with true music fans--and beer is sometimes served. Considering the retail record store is a dying breed and also a great source for what bands are selling that week, it makes sense for bands who care about not becoming relics themselves to play there. If club shows are too loud or late, catching a band's set at a record store will be free, early, and a great way to get their latest merch.
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Austin Museum Of Art
Read Reviews823 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Paying a $1 on Tuesday to cruise the collection at the Austin Museum of Art is a great way to enter the world of being an arts patron. For the museum, it's a win-win: Give back to the community and make art accessible to all.The Blanton Museum of Art on Thursdays has a similar cheapo deal. Get cultured for a steal.
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